RE:Model: Pauline Prieto: Next in line

The Dialogue Text & photos by Raymond Gutierrez

I’d rather die than watch a movie like Eat, Pray, Love.” Clearly, Pauline Prieto isn’t coy about her distaste for sappy, romantic movies; her bold, in-your-face statements can pack a punch — a perfect contrast to her lithe, slender frame.

But don’t be quick to think that this action flick fan is anything but fearless. The fashion darling admits she still gets jittery when walking down that daunting runway, calling her recent stint in Philippine Fashion Week a “total fail.”

She may have thought her nerves got the better of her, but it’s that sense of naiveté and lingering awkwardness that make her stand out and captivate. It was, in fact, during her very first runway show for Rhett Eala’s Collezione that she was spotted by presidential stylist Liz Uy who tapped her to do what would be the first of many magazine editorials, making her an instant favorite of editors and photographers alike.

Pauline has chutzpah, and that magical X-factor that draws people in, including Paris-based model scouts for Elite, which hand-picked her to represent the Philippines in their annual Elite Model Look contest — “the beauty pageant for models” as Pauline calls it, where she had to compete with 80 different girls representing 50 countries. (Not to mention no Twitter or Facebook access during her stay in Shanghai, China where Internet restrictions can be a royal pain.) We caught up with the fast-rising mannequin who’s a few steps shy of being labeled a “super,” to discuss her thoughts on “dumb” models, which designer she’d gladly fall off the catwalk for, and find out why the fashion world is suddenly smitten with this fiery 18-year-old.

YOUNG STAR: You have a great sense of personal style. Growing up, did you consider yourself fashionable?

Lithe but still lives: She still likes her beer, burgers and chocolate.

PAULINE PRIETO: I’ve always been intrigued by fashion. I’d watch old movies and see how the characters would dress up. Many things inspire me, but no one beats Madonna. She’s the ultimate fashion icon and I remember being eight years old and dressing up like her.

When did modeling become a real option for you?

When I was 14 I would do it just for fun but I always told myself to never pursue it until after high school. I graduated from Reedley International School last year so I’ve only been doing this professionally for less than a year.

What were you like in high school?

A loner. (Laughs) Well, I had friends but I was never the type to go out just to get wasted. I wouldn’t attend parties just to be seen. I would rather stay at home and play Dynasty Warriors on my PlayStation. I just didn’t want to come off as pretentious and I’ve actually never gone out for the sake of clubbing.

You’ve never been to Republiq?

I was there to attend the Preview Ball. That was the first and the last time. I’m the type to go somewhere chill, where I don’t need to scream in someone’s ear just so they can hear me.

What’s the ideal date night for you?

Going to a really nice museum and having really good food.

What would instantly put you in a good mood on a bad day?

A bottle of Stella Artois and a cheeseburger.

What wouldn’t you be caught dead wearing?

Kitten heels. Like, why are they even there?

Which models do you look up to?

Coco Rocha and Lara Stone. I don’t see it but a lot of people have compared me to Lara Stone and I just get kilig. What I like about Coco Rocha is the fact that she’s just so versatile.

Which photographers do you admire?

I love Heidi Slimane’s black and white photos and the high contrast. Locally, I think our photographers are innovative and there’s just so much talent out there. I’m proud that we try to push the limits and be at par with our international counterparts.

You don’t seem to have an ounce of body fat. How do you keep in shape?

I’ve never gone to the gym, not once. I don’t even know how to operate a treadmill. I tried doing Pilates for three days and I couldn’t move afterwards.

Drop-dead gorgeous: Even if she’s never gone to a gym

What’s your everyday uniform?

I like wearing boy’s clothes. I like the aesthetic and it’s just more comfortable. I still wear lace and ruffles but I just prefer loose tops. If I could wear one outfit for the rest of my life it would be a pair of jeans, a pair of really nice heels, and a loose white shirt.

Are you more comfortable in front of the camera or on the runway?

I’d like to say both but I think it’s really the camera. I did a show for fashion week and I wanted to bite my nails before walking but I didn’t want to show the designer that I was nervous. My heart was pounding and my stomach was turning. And I had to close and open the show.

What comes to mind when walking down the ramp?

If I fall, I’m going to kill myself when this is over. I don’t expect to be the next Ria Bolivar but I’ve only done three major fashion shows so I think there’s still a lot of room for improvement. I kind of want to do commercials also. I want to try everything before I settle on one thing.

If we were to raid your fridge, what would we find?

Soda, chocolate and steak.

If you could sit front row for any concert, who’s would it be?

Coldplay. No matter what happens, they will always be a classic.

How was it representing the country in Shanghai for Elite Model Look?

I was sick for four days and had a fever so I had a hard time during my stay there. The girl who won was from Ukraine and she was my roommate. She won $150,000 and a modeling contract in Paris.

Eighty girls in one room: I’m sure there was some tension.

Everyone got along well, but I have to tell you about this one girl who had a camera crew follow her every move from the moment she would wake up. It was kind of funny.

If you were to change any physical feature, what would it be?

Maybe my eyes or jaw. I feel like my eyes are too small and my jaw is too big. (Laughs)

How do you feel about the perception of models being dumb?

Playgirl rather than party girl: She’d take PlayStation over partying any day.

Well, I’m not going to lie but I’ve met some pretty dumb models… and they speak English. Sometimes you think models are dumb just because of the language barrier and I can’t blame anyone if they don’t speak English. It’s their culture and I probably sound dumb to them, too.

What’s the best advice you’ve heard?

Don’t spend all your money at once.

What’s a dream fashion show for you?

I’d love to walk for Louis Vuitton or Chanel. Locally, I was so totally blown away by Furne One’s show that I wouldn’t mind being one of the models who fell! At least I would fall looking so beautiful.

What’s next for Pauline Prieto?

Well, I plan to take an interior design course at PSID (Philippine School of Interior Design). And who knows what’s next...? I like coming up with looks for myself so maybe a clothing line, or I’ll dabble in photography. I’d also like to think that I’d still be modeling years from now.